Cycling Through The Ages – A Look At The Activity
Using bicycles as a mode of travel is a move that has been steadily rising in popularity the world over. Especially in recent years, with increase in traffic congestion, air pollution, and the looming threat of fossil fuel shortage, this is an ideal solution that many are drifting towards.
A Little Bit of History
Bicycles first came into use in the nineteenth century. Cycling was a fast and efficient means of getting from one place to another, before the advent of motor vehicles. For mass transport, there were trains and ships. For shorter, individual commute, the cycle was faster than walking.
The use of bicycles soon spread to every corner of the world. But then came the cars and other motorized vehicles. These vehicles were faster and more comfortable and could carry more than one person.
Soon, the use of bicycles declined in most developed countries, as people switched to cars and other fuel-driven vehicles. In developing countries, the cycle still retained its popularity. Most people in these countries could not afford cars, so the cycle was the most efficient modes of transport available to them.
But, with economic growth, these countries began to turn to cars and motorbikes too. In fact, road and traffic laws the world over heavily favored fossil fuel driven transport and cyclists became a minority.
The Revival Of Biking
With increasing awareness about pollution and fossil fuel shortage, cycling is gaining popularity again. In fact, in countries like India, this activity has always maintained its own niche. It has been the chosen vehicle of the lower economic sections. It is used not just to transport people, but also to transport goods, and even for mobile shops that sell things like tender coconuts and so on.
This activity is witnessing a revival now, as it is a healthy way to commute and reduces pollution.
The Problems Of Biking
But, there are certain disadvantages that are holding it back from becoming the popular vehicle of the masses. It needs the rider to be reasonably fit, and it requires use of muscles as opposed to engines. It is not as fast as motorized vehicles, and not quite as comfortable. Optimally, cycles can carry only one person.
Also, it involves certain risks, like accidents involving collisions with speeding motor vehicles. It is not an ideal choice for very long distance riding. It is best suited for purposes of short commute. In many places, traffic laws have to be revised if the lanes need to accommodate cyclists.
Types of Biking
The activity is popular among many enthusiasts, and it is gaining more converts every day. It is used for many purposes. Utility cycling implies the use of bicycles to transport people and goods from one place to another.
The recreational form of this activity includes biking tours and mountain biking. Biking tours involve using bicycles to visit and explore places. This involves long rides, which are broken up into short phases. Mostly, bicycle tourism is organized in groups. This enables the bikers to interact with each other and help each other out in case of any trouble like punctured tyres.
Mountain biking is an organized sport that involves riding through dirt trails, up and down the hills.
Bicycle racing used to be a popular sport but declined in the middle of the twentieth century. However, there are still some prestigious bicycle racing events, most notably the Tour De France, which has been held since 1903.
Bicycle tourism is also used as a way to raise awareness about important global or regional issues. Generally, biking is an efficient and healthy mode of transport. It avoids adding more to the existing environmental pollution, so that it is not just individual health that is benefited. If safety measures are followed and traffic laws are modified to accommodate cyclists, it can be a safe and popular choice for the future.
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